Network Your Way into a Great Job

The more hooks you put into the water, the more chances you have to land the job you want.

Olivia couldn't stand her job at the pizza shop any longer. At first, it had been kind of fun as she learned how to make the items on the menu and how to use the equipment. But as the weather grew warmer and her job settled into a routine, it became just a hot, sweaty, boring way to make a few bucks. She needed a new job.

She checked out the employment bulletin board at school every day, but the re were no new openings. She filled out job applications at several stores in the mall (which were air-conditioned), but the managers all said, "Thanks, we'll call you when we have an opening." It appeared that she was doomed to a job she had outgrown.

In her desperation, Olivia began to tell everyone about her quest for a new job. She was careful not to complain, but when the subject of work came up, she always managed to inform her friends, neighbors, and relatives that she was eagerly seeking a part-time job doing something besides working with food.

One day in study hall, Olivia told Becky about her job search. The next day in math class, Becky mentioned that Julie was leaving her receptionist job because she would be spending the summer in California. Olivia got in touch with Julie and set up a time when she could meet Julie's boss.

When Julie introduced her to the boss, Olivia did all the right things to create a positive impression. She dressed appropriately, stressed her capabilities, and answered questions positively. At the end of the visit, the boss shook Olivia's hand and said, "I was going to advertise for Julie's replacement at the beginning of next week, but I think I'll save myself the trouble. When can you start?"

Olivia had just networked herself into a new job.

How Do You Get Started?

Networking is defined as a system of establishing connections. For anyone seeking work, it means establishing connections with as many people as possible to find out about job opportunities. Networking connections can be friends, relatives, neighbors, or almost anyone you meet anywhere.

Tom Jackson, author of Guerrilla Tactics in the Job Market, estimates that everyone knows about 700 people, and virtually any one of them could be a networking connection.

Networking is really as simple as having conversations with people you know and informing them about your job search. You might ask them to tell you about job openings where they work. You might ask them to put in a good word for you with a manager they know. You might even ask them to set up an interview for you.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

* Establish a realistic employment goal before you start networking, and communicate that goal to your networking connections.

Be careful not to set goals that are too broad. For instance, don't tell people you're looking for any kind of summer job when you know you'd absolutely die if you had to supervise little kids at a playgroumd. Instead, tell people you're flexible, but you're really not interested in a recreation job.

Also, be careful not to set goals that are too ambitious. For instance, you'd look a little silly if you asked people to help you find a part-time job that offered a company car, a private office, and stock options.

* Talk to as many people as possible. Networking is a lot like fishing--the more hooks you put in the water, the better your chances are of catching something. Tell everyone you know about your job search and ask if they can help you. The elderly lady down the street may have great networking potential through her sons and daughters, but you won't know unless you talk to her.

* Be persistent, but not pushy. Most network contacts are happy to help you out, because by asking them to speak on your behalf or find job information, you're suggesting that they're influential or knowledgeable people. Sometimes your contacts might forget about your request for help, so it's OK to check back with them after a week or so. Always express your appreciation for their help. Don't pester or act as if they're obligated to help you.

* Be positive. "Always smile at people--it's contagious," suggests Deb Hagerty, president of Positive Connections.

"Networking is an attitude- both yours and the other person's," she explains. People are more likely to help someone who's cheerful and upbeat than someone who complains.

Hidden Job Market

According to CareerPerfect.com, 80 percent of jobs are filled without being advertised. This is referred to as the "hidden job market," because most people aren't aware that these job openings exist.

Managers prefer to use the "hidden job market" for two simple reasons. First, hiring new workers through advertising and conventional interviewing is time-consuming and costly. If managers can avoid the cost of placing help-wanted ads in the newspaper and the time required for interviewing, they save two of their most precious resources--time and money.

Second, even after managers review applications and interview workers, they're still taking a risk that the new employee may not be successful. If a new worker is not successful, there's a considerable cost in wasted training time, lost productivity, and possibly bad customer relations. Perhaps the worst part about hiring the wrong employee is that the manager needs to go through the firing process, which can be uncomfortable for everyone.

If you're referred for an interview by a reliable employee or associate who speaks highly of you, any manager who had an opening would be interested in hiring you.

Networking: Not Just for Job Seekers

Networking is a strategy that's also used by experienced business professionals to make sales, expand business contacts, and create professional connections. Service organizations--such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary International, the Elks, or the Jaycees--provide great opportunities for working professionals to meet and form connections in their local areas. Other professional organizations--such as the American Bar Association (attorneys), American Medical Association (doctors), National Education Association (educators), and the Teamsters (truck drivers)--hold state and national events that allow professionals to come together, and share ideas.

If you're looking for professional networking contacts to help locate internship opportunities or career information, professional organizations are great places to start.

Networking is the most effective way to tap into the "hidden job market." The best part is that it costs nothing, can be done in your own school or neighborhood, and is as easy to do as talking to friends. So, get connected in your own network, and find the job you're looking for today!

COPYRIGHT 2001 Weekly Reader Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group